VOCs, GREENGUARD Certification, and Indoor Air Quality: A Designer’s Guide to Safer Interiors

Not too long ago, I worked with a virtual client to refresh the look of her primary bedroom. We decided to replace the bed with a new, stylish piece that would better suit the small space and complement the rest of the design. I sourced a beautiful leather bed from a trusted brand—one known for its commitment to sustainability and non-toxic materials. The bed looked stunning in the room, and my client loved it—at first.

But just a day after it arrived, she started feeling unwell. Headaches and fatigue sent her to urgent care. Once she recovered and returned home, the symptoms came back. She suspected it might be something in the room and eventually hired a VOC expert to investigate. What they found was alarming: the new bed was off-gassing toxic chemicals. Even more surprising? A coffee table in the living room was contributing to the issue as well.

Making things worse, the home’s windows were sealed shut due to an ongoing exterior paint job, which meant none of the gases could ventilate. The indoor air pollution had built up to dangerous levels. It was a wake-up call for both of us. I had recommended the bed in good faith—assuming a brand with a “green” image meant it was safe. But I quickly realized how little information is readily available when it comes to VOC emissions in furniture.

This experience changed how I design. And now, I want to share what I’ve learned about VOCs, indoor air quality, and certifications like GREENGUARD—so you can make informed choices and avoid the same risks in your home.

This AI-generated image illustrates a clean, minimalist bedroom designed with wellness in mind—emphasizing the importance of low-VOC materials and GREENGUARD-certified furnishings for healthier indoor air.

What Are VOCs and Why They Matter

VOCs—short for volatile organic compounds—are gases released from certain solids or liquids, many of which are commonly found in products we use to build, decorate, and furnish our homes. These compounds evaporate into the air at room temperature and can significantly impact indoor air quality, often without any noticeable smell or warning sign.

You’ll find VOCs in:

• Paints, stains, and finishes

• Furniture made with synthetic foams or adhesives

• Pressed-wood products like particleboard or MDF

• Vinyl flooring and carpet backing

• Cleaning supplies and air fresheners

• Even some "scented" home decor items like candles

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of VOCs are consistently higher indoors—up to 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and in some cases up to 10 times higher. This is especially concerning since most people spend around 90% of their time indoors (EPA source)

Health Impacts of VOC Exposure

Short-term exposure to VOCs may cause:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation

• Fatigue

• Nausea

Long-term or high-level exposure can contribute to more serious conditions, including:

• Respiratory diseases (like asthma or chronic bronchitis)

• Liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage

• Increased risk of certain cancers

People who are especially sensitive—such as children, older adults, and those with asthma or allergies—are at greater risk even at low exposure levels.

Why This Matters in Interior Design

VOCs aren’t just a problem in construction zones—they’re quietly present in the homes we design and live in. That new sofa or rug that smells “fresh” could be releasing chemicals for days, weeks, or even months after you bring it home.

In tight, well-insulated homes (especially newer or energy-efficient ones), poor ventilation can make VOC buildup even worse. If you’re installing multiple new items at once—like a bed, rug, and fresh paint—all of those emissions can add up quickly, creating a toxic indoor environment without you realizing it.

This AI-generated infographic explains the connection between VOCs, GREENGUARD certification, and indoor air quality—highlighting the importance of choosing low-emission products in home design.

What Is GREENGUARD Certification and Why It Matters

With growing awareness around indoor air quality, many manufacturers have started offering products marketed as “low-VOC” or “non-toxic.” But how can you know for sure which ones are actually safe? That’s where third-party certifications like GREENGUARD come in.

What Is GREENGUARD Certification?

GREENGUARD Certification is a voluntary third-party certification developed by UL Environment, a division of Underwriters Laboratories. It verifies that a product has low chemical emissions and contributes to healthier indoor air.

There are two levels:

• GREENGUARD Certification – basic low-emission standard

• GREENGUARD Gold Certification – stricter criteria, including limits on more chemicals and emissions considered safe for use in schools, healthcare facilities, and homes with sensitive individuals

Certified products are tested in environmental chambers for over 10,000 different VOCs, including known irritants and carcinogens like formaldehyde and benzene [UL Environment].

What Kinds of Products Can Be GREENGUARD Certified?

• Furniture (beds, desks, seating, etc.)

• Mattresses and bedding

• Flooring and carpets

• Paints, adhesives, and sealants

• Building materials (drywall, insulation, cabinetry)

Products that pass the GREENGUARD standard are listed in the UL SPOT database, a searchable tool where consumers and designers can verify a product’s certification status:

Why This Matters for Designers and Homeowners

A product labeled as “eco-friendly” or “green” isn’t necessarily low-VOC. Marketing terms like “natural,” “organic,” or “sustainable” are often unregulated and don’t tell the full story. That’s why GREENGUARD provides a helpful standard for cutting through the noise.

By choosing GREENGUARD or GREENGUARD Gold certified products, you can:

• Minimize harmful chemical exposure in your home

• Improve long-term indoor air quality

• Make safer choices for children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities

• Align your design with wellness-focused living

Designer Insight

In the situation with my client, I believed I was sourcing from a trusted, sustainability-forward brand. But when the VOC expert examined the product, we realized that GREENGUARD certification wasn’t listed anywhere—and no VOC data was provided at all. That absence of information was a red flag I hadn’t recognized before, and it's one I now actively look for.

If you're a homeowner or designer, don't assume that a “good brand” equals “safe.” Look for specific third-party certifications, or contact the manufacturer directly for VOC emission reports.

This AI-generated infographic illustrates how VOC regulations vary across federal, state, county, and local levels—highlighting the lack of uniform standards for indoor air quality and GREENGUARD certification in home furnishings.

What the Law Does (and Doesn’t) Regulate

As of August 5, 2025

One of the most surprising things I discovered after my client’s experience is this: there are very few laws regulating VOC emissions in home furnishings. While some rules exist for paints and industrial coatings, there’s a huge gap when it comes to the everyday products we bring into our bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries.

Let’s break down what’s actually regulated — and what isn’t — at the federal and state levels.

🇺🇸 Federal Level (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – EPA)

At the federal level, VOCs are primarily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act — but only in the context of outdoor air pollution. The EPA focuses on VOCs that contribute to ground-level ozone and smog, not indoor air quality.

The EPA sets VOC limits for:

• Architectural coatings (e.g., paints, stains, varnishes)

• Certain adhesives and sealants

• Consumer and commercial products like aerosol sprays and cleaners

However, the EPA does not regulate VOC emissions in residential furniture, mattresses, rugs, or home décor. There is also no federal requirement for manufacturers to disclose VOC levels in those products. (Sources)

States That Have VOC Regulations (As of August 5, 2025)

Several states have adopted their own VOC limits, primarily for paints, coatings, adhesives, cleaning products, and composite wood products. These often follow standards developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC).

However, even in these states, regulations typically do not extend to general furniture items like upholstered beds, sofas, or decor — unless those items include regulated materials like particleboard or MDF.

States That Regulate VOCs in Consumer Products and Coatings:

As of August 2025, the following U.S. states and jurisdictions have their own VOC regulations:

• California (CARB — most comprehensive rules)

• New York

• New Jersey

• Connecticut

• Delaware

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Virginia

• Maine

• Vermont

• New Hampshire

• Illinois

• Ohio

• Indiana

• Michigan

• Wisconsin

• Texas (regionally, varies by air district)

• Utah (limited to specific districts like Salt Lake Valley)

• Colorado (adopts some CARB-aligned rules)

• Nevada (limited VOC limits for coatings and adhesives)

• District of Columbia (D.C.)

Note: These rules mainly apply to products like paint, stains, solvents, and composite wood components. They generally do not cover upholstered furniture, mattresses, or textiles.

Washington State (My Home Base)

In Washington State, VOCs are regulated under WAC 173-490, which targets industrial coatings and commercial emissions, not consumer products or furnishings.

There is no law in place requiring furniture or décor manufacturers to label or limit VOC emissions. The Washington State Department of Health offers public education on indoor air quality, but this guidance is not enforceable by law.

What’s Not Regulated Anywhere (Yet)

As of August 5, 2025, there are no federal or state laws requiring:

• Disclosure of VOC emissions in upholstered furniture or bedding

• VOC labeling or transparency on rugs, pillows, and general home décor

• Testing of indoor air quality impacts for most consumer furnishings

This regulatory gap is what allows products that off-gas harmful chemicals to be legally sold across the U.S. — even by brands that market themselves as sustainable or non-toxic.

Why This Matters to You

Even if you live in a state with strict VOC rules for paint or adhesives, there's no guarantee your furniture is safe — especially if it was manufactured or shipped from out of state. That’s why voluntary certifications like GREENGUARD, OEKO-TEX, and CertiPUR-US are so important until regulation catches up.

As a virtual interior designer serving clients across the country, I now make it a point to research product emissions before recommending anything — and I encourage homeowners to ask questions, demand transparency, and advocate for safer materials in their own homes.

This AI-generated infographic outlines practical steps anyone can take to reduce VOC exposure at home—from checking for trusted certifications to ventilating new furniture properly.

What You Can Do to Make Safer Choices

If all of this information about VOCs and lack of regulation feels overwhelming — take a breath. The goal here isn’t to scare you into tossing out your furniture or canceling your renovation plans. It’s to help you feel informed and confident as you make choices that support a healthier home.

Here are some realistic, design-forward steps you can take:

1. Look for Trusted Third-Party Certifications

When shopping for furniture, rugs, paint, or even mattresses, check for these voluntary certifications that verify low chemical emissions:

• GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold – for furniture, paint, flooring, and building materials

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – for textiles, bedding, and fabrics

• CertiPUR-US® – for mattresses and upholstered furniture foams

  These certifications ensure that products have been tested for harmful emissions and meet strict safety standards.

2. Don’t Rely on Buzzwords Like “Green” or “Eco-Friendly”

Words like “natural,” “sustainable,” or “non-toxic” aren’t regulated and can be used freely in marketing — even if the product emits VOCs. Always dig deeper and ask questions or look for credible labels.

3. Ask the Manufacturer for VOC Emission Data

If a product isn’t certified, but you’re interested in it, reach out to the company directly. Ask if it has been tested for VOC emissions, or whether it meets CARB Phase 2 or GREENGUARD standards. If they can’t give you an answer, that’s a red flag.

4. Ventilate New Purchases Properly

When bringing in new furniture or rugs:

• Unbox them in a well-ventilated area

• Open windows and doors for several days, especially in smaller rooms

• Use an air purifier with a VOC filter if possible

• Avoid installing multiple high-VOC items at once in closed spaces

If possible, let off-gassing happen outside the main living area (garage, covered patio, etc.) for a few days before placing it in your home.

5. Choose Low-VOC or No-VOC Paints and Finishes

When painting or refinishing furniture, always choose low-VOC or zero-VOC products. Most major paint brands now offer healthier options, including:

• Benjamin Moore Natura (discontinued, but their Eco Spec line remains)

• Sherwin-Williams Harmony

• Clare Paint

• ECOS Paints (certified non-toxic and VOC-free)

• AFM Safecoat

6. Support Brands That Prioritize Transparency

Brands that voluntarily test their products and share their VOC emissions data should be recognized. When possible, choose manufacturers that are certified or have dedicated sustainability and indoor air quality standards built into their process.

7. Start Conversations — and Spread Awareness

Most people don’t know about VOCs. You can help others by:

• Sharing this blog post

• Talking to your friends and family about what you’ve learned

• Asking questions in stores or online

• Encouraging local reps and lawmakers to support healthier building material policies in your state

Change starts when we ask more of the brands, builders, and suppliers we work with.

Designer’s Note

As a designer, I’ve made it part of my process to consider not just how a space looks, but how it can impact the health of the people living in it. I’m not perfect, but I’m committed to learning and sharing what I know. The more we talk about VOCs and air quality, the closer we get to homes that are truly safe, supportive, and beautiful.

Designing a home is about more than aesthetics — it’s about creating an environment where you feel good, breathe easily, and live well. What happened with my client opened my eyes to how little transparency there is in the furnishings we bring into our homes, even from brands we trust.

If you're planning to update your space — whether you're redecorating a single room or furnishing an entire home — it's worth asking the harder questions about what’s really in the products you choose. Certifications like GREENGUARD, OEKO-TEX, and CertiPUR-US exist for a reason. They're not just industry jargon — they’re tools to help you make better, safer decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

I hope this post has helped shine a light on a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, fellow designer, or just curious, know that you don’t need to know everything — just enough to ask the right questions and expect better answers.